Norwegian team interested in Twellman

The Norwegian club Odd Grenland has offered a $1 million transfer fee for Revolution forward Taylor Twellman, according to a source close to the negotiations. The club has been interested in Twellman since he scored three goals for the US in a 5-0 win over Norway in Carson, Calif., Jan. 29.

But Twellman, who is under contract through next season, is unlikely to make the move because Major League Soccer is unwilling to accept the offer. Will Kuhns of the MLS public relations department said he was unaware of the offer.

Twellman, the Revolution's highest-paid player at $181,000 annually, 30th among MLS salaries, is in negotiations with the league to extend his contract. If he plays out this contract, he would become a free agent on the international market and likely to be able to find a club in Europe. But Twellman's future also depends on his possible return to the US national team, since some countries base work permit requirements on international appearances.

Twellman missed yesterday's US-Denmark game while recovering from hernia surgery.

Since joining the Revolution in 2002, Twellman has scored 82 goals in 147 playoff and regular-season games, far more than any other US player. Last year, Twellman tied former Revolution teammate Clint Dempsey as the US team's scoring leader with four goals; he had 19 goals in 46 games in all competitions.

Odd Grenland has contracted several North American players, including former Colorado Rapids defender Nat Borchers and former Franklin Pierce College striker Christopher Joyce.

FRANK DELL'APA